Cable gland with pressure dome tightening mechanisms and method for earthing a cable

ABSTRACT

A cable gland and method for earthing, bonding, and electromagnetic capability with armored, metal-clad, and metallic-sheathed cable types. The cable gland includes compressible fingers with the ability to compress or expand about a cable inserted in and through the cable gland, and an adjustable earthing coil arranged internally inside a part of the cable gland that secures around a cable inserted in the cable gland. When fully coiled, the adjustable earthing coil is relaxed and as the adjustable earthing coil is expanded it generates a restoring force. An earthing strap attached to the adjustable earthing coil in the cable gland, provides grounding capabilities to the cable gland.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention and disclosed subject matter relate generally tocable glands, also referred to as cable connectors, and the inventionmore particularly relates to cable glands for earthing, bonding, andelectromagnetic capability with armored, metal-clad, andmetallic-sheathed cable types.

2. Background

Industrial project designs and installations utilize armored,metal-clad, and metallic-sheathed cables as replacements to fixedrigid-conduit type installations. Conduit systems have historically beenused to provide mechanical and environmental protection for cables.These metallic conduit systems are required to be earthed or bonded toprovide protection against electrical short-circuit faults. Manydifferent earthing and bonding products exist to meet these needs.

Armored, metal clad and metallic-sheathed cables are an alternative tothese rigid-conduit systems, providing flexible metallic jackets whichcontain the individual cable conductors, providing mechanical andenvironmental protection, much the same as traditional rigid conduitsystems. Armored, metal-clad, and metallic-sheathed cables must also beconnected to a device to provide sealing at the point of the cableconnection to an electrical enclosure such as a junction box or terminalbox. The general purposes of these devices known as cable glands orcable connectors are 1) to protect the cable and the enclosure fromenvironmental elements such as rain and dust, 2) to provide strainrelief through cable retention, 3) to provide earthing or bonding asprotection against potential short-circuit faults, and 4) to provideelectromagnetic capability (EMC), which involves addressing all theissues that may cause unwanted effects such as electromagneticinterference or even physical damage in operational equipment (i.e.interference mitigation). To provide this protection againstshort-circuit faults and to provide EMC, only metallic cable glands meetthese market needs, and there is resistance to the use of non-metalliccomponents in this field. Thus, buyers are left with the high price,heavy weight, and cumbersome installation requirements of using metalliccable glands.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention a cable gland isprovided comprising: a washer sealant; a second washer; a first washer;an adjustable earthing coil; an outer housing; a gland body; wherein thegland body comprises—a sealing connector disposed in the gland body; atapered area to be received in the outer housing; and a first set ofthreads adjacent to the tapered area on the gland body—wherein the outerhousing has one or more apertures; and wherein the outer housing, onceconnected to the gland body, and rotated around the first set of threadson the gland body, is configured to compress the tapered area, allowingthe sealing connector to tighten around a cable inserted into the cablegland. The cable gland provides the functions of an environmental sealand also provides for cable retention and strain relief that is criticalfor the sustained connection of the cable conductors to the terminationpoint(s).

In accordance with another aspect of this invention a method ofgrounding cables threaded through a non-metallic cable gland that iscomprised of a gland body, an outer housing, one or more washers, and anadjustable earthing coil, is provided comprising the steps of: insertingthe adjustable earthing coil in one end of the cable gland, allowing anintegrated tab of the adjustable earthing coil to protrude out of thecable gland; opening cable receiving apertures at each end of the cablegland; expanding the adjustable earthing coil to a circumference wideenough to receive a cable; inserting the cable through a first apertureof the cable gland, through the cable gland, and out a second apertureof the cable gland; tightening the cable receiving aperture that isopposite of the end where the adjustable earthing coil was inserted,tight enough to hold and secure the cable gland in place on the cable;inserting an anti-short bushing around the cable, but between the armor,metal-cladding, or metal-sheathing of the cables and the individualconductors of the cable, in the area that will connect with theadjustable earthing coil; contracting the adjustable earthing coilinside the cable gland so that it tightens around the cable in the areaon the cable that is exposed for grounding; and connecting theintegrated tab of the adjustable earthing coil to a grounding elementoutside of the cable gland.

Thus an object of the present invention is to provide an improved cablegland. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedearthing coil to assist in grounding cables. Yet another object of theinvention is to provide an improved method for earthing cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be illustrated in more detail, but not limited,by reference to the specific embodiment shown in the accompanyingdrawings, with greater emphasis being placed on clarity rather thanscale:

FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of an assembled cable gland according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view of a disassembled cable gland accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1(c) is another perspective view of a disassembled cable glandaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the double washer combo—i.e. thewasher sealant and the second washer—according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2(b) is another perspective view of the double washer combo—i.e.the washer sealant and the second washer—according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3(a) depicts a washer according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3(b) depicts another perspective of the washer according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4(a)-4(e) are different perspective views of a gland bodyaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5(a) depicts a side view of an outer housing according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5(b) depicts an aerial view of an outer housing according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6(a) depicts an adjustable earthing coil according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6(b) depicts another perspective of the adjustable earthing coilaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6(c) depicts an expanded adjustable earthing coil according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7(a)-7(d) are different perspective views of the assembled cablegland with a cable wire running through it, according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) depict views of an earthing insert clamp.

FIG. 8(c) depicts a closer view of the gland body where the earthinginsert clamp is inserted and the groove on the gland body that theinsert clamp connects to.

FIGS. 9(a) & 9(b) are two perspective views of an adjustable earthinginsert clamp according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 9(c)-(e) are different perspective views of the cable gland withthe adjustable earthing insert clamp inserted into cable gland and acable wire running through the cable gland, according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 10(a)-(e) are different perspective views of an alternateadjustable earthing coil according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11(a)-(d) are different perspective views of yet another alternateadjustable earthing coil according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 10(a)-(e) different perspective views of an alternate adjustableearthing coil according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a view of the cable gland in a disassembled state accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a cable gland according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 14(a) & (b) are side views a gland body and a cable gland,respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a gland body of a cable gland accordingto yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is front view of constant force spring, an earthing strap, andan integrated tab, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cable gland as it is used with theconstant force spring according to yet another embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an assembled cable gland, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention and disclosed subject matter relate generally tocable glands, also referred to in the industry as cable connectors, andthe invention more particularly relates to cable glands for earthing,bonding, and electromagnetic capability with armored, metal-clad, andmetallic-sheathed cable types.

In FIG. 1(a) a perspective top view of an embodiment of an assembledcable gland 100 according to the invention is represented. The cablegland 100 comprises a gland body 40, an outer housing 50 arrangedexternally at a tapered end 460 of the gland body 40, a first washer 30arranged externally on the gland body 40, a second washer 20 arrangedexternally on the gland body 40, a washer sealant 10 arranged externallyon the gland body 40, and an adjustable earthing coil 60 arrangedinternally in the gland body 40. The gland body 40 comprises a secondset of threads 440 connected to one end of the gland body 40 and a firstset of threads 460 connected to the opposite end of the gland body 40.In an embodiment of this invention, the substrate connection mechanism(or first set of threads) 440 forms a tightening or attachment mechanismto tighten or attach the cable gland 40 to a substrate attachment.Further, the gland body tightening mechanism (or second set of threads)460 forms a tightening mechanism to tighten the outer housing 50 ontothe gland body 40. In another embodiment of this invention, the firstand second set of threads 440 and 460 are helical threads. The glandbody 40 further comprises a tapered area 480 adjacent to the first setof threads that interacts with the outer housing 50, see FIG. 1(b) andFIG. 1(b). FIG. 4(c) depicts a sealing connector 482 disposed within thetapered area 480 of the gland body 40. In an embodiment of thisinvention, the tapered area 480 comprises fingers or splines 484 andfinger-gaps 481 that allow the tapered area 480 of the gland body 40 tocompress and expand. The fingers 484 are all spaced cylindrically andequal distance apart forming a portion of a cylinder or central bore483. Thus, the fingers 484 all have substantially the same width, andthe gaps 481 also have substantially the same width. In the embodimentshown, the fingers integral join to the gland body at the fixed end 485and extend parallel to a central axis to their free ends 486. Thecentral bore 483 runs from the end 486 of the tapered area 480 of thegland body 40, down through to the opposite or substrate attachment end440 of the gland body 40. The spacing between the fingers is referred toas finger-gaps or gaps 481. The fingers 484 and finger-gaps 481 areattached to the first set of threads 460 at a point 485 of the centralbore 483 formed by the fingers 484 and finger-gaps 481, and arefree-standing at the other end 486 of the central bore 483 formed by thefingers 484 and finger-gaps 481. The sealing connector 482 is disposedwithin the central bore 483 formed by the fingers 484 and finger gaps481 and coats the circumference of the central bore 483. The sealingconnector 482 is composed of a material that has to capability to expandand compress while still maintaining its sealing capabilities. The glandbody 40, also has at least one release mechanism 420 disposed on thefirst set of threads 460 on the gland body 40. In an embodiment, thegland body 40 further comprises one or more grooves or notches 442around inside perimeter of the gland body 40, see FIG. 4(d). In anembodiment, the grooves or notches 442 around the inside perimeter ofthe gland body 40 are formed from different shapes, depths, and widths.In another embodiment, the gland body 40 further comprises a thin ledgeor shelf 446 wrapping around the inner circumference of the gland body40. FIG. 5 depicts the outer housing 50 that interacts with the glandbody 40. The outer housing 50 is a cylindrical dome with apertures onboth ends of the dome. The compression opening end 515 has a widercircumference for receiving the tapered area 480 of the gland body 40.The cable connector opening end 525 has a smaller circumference than thecompression opening end 515 for receiving a cable. The cable connectoropening end's 525 circumference is smaller than the widest circumferenceof the tapered area 480 on the gland body, thus preventing the taperedarea 480 from completely passing through the cable connector opening end525. In an embodiment of this invention, the inside of the outer housing50 comprises an outer housing tightening mechanism 510. In anotherembodiment, the tightening mechanism 510 utilizes cooperative threads.As the threads 510 are rotationally engaged, the compression opening end515 of the outer housing 50 forces the hinges or fingers 484 on thegland body 40 closer together reducing the width of the gaps 481, andreducing the inner diameter of the sealing connector 482. When a cableis inserted through the cable connector opening end 525 of the outerhousing 50 and the sealing connector 482 in the gland body 40, thesealing connector 482 compresses around the cable to sealably hold it inplace. In another embodiment, the inside of the outer housing 50 iscomprised of threads/helical threads 510. The outer housing 50 furthercomprises at least one mechanism 520 for fixing the outer housing 50 tothe gland body 40 or for notification that the outer housing 50 isproperly aligned with and affixed to the gland body 40. In an embodimentof the current invention, the cable gland 100 further comprises ananti-short bushing 700, see FIG. 8.

FIG. 6(a) depicts the adjustable earthing coil 60 in a relaxed coiledform, while FIG. 6(c) depicts the adjustable earthing coil 60 in anexpanded form. The adjustable earthing coil 60 is a flat, taperedrectangular piece of material that is wound in a circular shape, eachcoil laying over the previous coil forming a flat curled ribbon. Thewider end 640 of the tapered rectangular material forms the inner layerof the coil while the narrower end 650 of the tapered rectangularmaterial forms the outer layer of the coil. A slight bend 620 is formedat the end of the coil and bent in the opposite direction the coil iscurled in, and an integrated tab 610 is attached to the adjustableearthing coil 60 at a connection point 630.

The adjustable earthing coil 60 is held in place in the cable gland 100by a double-washer-sealant-combo 230, see FIG. 2. Thedouble-washer-sealant-combo comprises a flat side of the washer sealant10, abutted to a flat side of second washer 20, leaving no space betweenthe washers, except for a small thin aperture 220. The small thinaperture 220 is a fraction of the circumference of the two washers anddrilled between the two abutting washers, from the outside perimeter ofboth washers through and into the inside perimeter of both washers, at alocation along the circumference of the washer sealant 10 and the secondwasher 20. In an alternate embodiment, the double-washer-sealant-combocomes already manufactured as one component, by way of injectionmolding.

In an alternate embodiment of the current invention, the adjustableearthing coil 1010 is a flat circular material with an integrated tab1030 attached to it as well as a star shaped hole 1020 cut through thecenter of the circular material and pushed out forming a star-shapedhole, see FIG. 10(a)-(e).

In another embodiment of the current invention, the adjustable earthingcoil 1100 is a short cylinder with open end, wherein one end of thecylinder has several cuts made lengthwise towards the opposite end ofthe cylinder where there are no cuts, forming several flaps 1250,wherein each flap except one is folded approximately 45 degrees towardsthe opening at the end of the cylinder where the cuts were made, seeFIG. 11. The one flap 1200, not folded towards the opening at the end ofthe cylinder where the cuts were made, is folded outwards approximately90 degrees in the opposite direction away from the opening at the end ofthe cylinder where the cuts were made, forming an integrated tab 1200.In another embodiment, each flap except one is folded in the range ofapproximately 35 to 55 degrees. In another embodiment, the one flap isfolded outwards approximately 80-100 degrees in the opposite directionaway from the opening at the end of the cylinder where the cuts weremade.

In yet another embodiment of the current invention, an adjustableearthing insert 800 is used in the cable gland 108, see FIG. 8(a)-8(c).The cable gland 108 is comprised of the washer 30, the outer housing 50,the adjustable earthing insert 800, the gland body 40, and theanti-short bushing 700. In an embodiment of the current invention, cablegland 108 further comprises a release mechanism 420 on the gland body40, see FIG. 4(c), and a release mechanism 520 on the outer housing 50,see FIG. 5 (a).

In an embodiment, the adjustable earthing insert 800 is comprised of aconstant force spring 860 which is further comprised of a flat,rectangular piece of material that is wound in a circular shape alongthe inside perimeter of a cable clamp insert, each coil wrapping aroundthe previous coil forming a flat curled ribbon. In an embodiment, theconstant force spring 860 is mechanically attached to the cable clampinsert of the adjustable earthing insert 800. In another embodiment, theconstant force spring 860 fits into a groove or opening in the cableclamp insert of the adjustable earthing insert 800 and is fixed intoplace. In another embodiment, an integrated tab 810 is attached to theconstant force spring 860 at a connection point. In an embodiment, theintegrated tab 810 is attached to the connection point via a mechanical,soldered, or adhesive connection point. In yet another embodiment, anearthing strap 1620 is attached to the integrated tab 810. In anembodiment, an earthing strap 1620 is attached to the constant forcespring 860, see FIG. 16. In an embodiment, a first end of the earthingstrap 1620 is attached to the integrated tab (not pictured) at aconnection point. In another embodiment, the first end of the earthingstrap 1620 is attached to the constant force spring 860 at a connectionpoint. In an embodiment the earthing strap 1620 is attached via amechanical, soldered, or adhesive connection. In an embodiment, theearthing strap 1620 is an earthing braid or earthing cable and is madeout of conductive metals. In another embodiment, an anti-short bushing700 is also attached to the adjustable earthing insert 800. Theanti-short bushing 700 is attached to the edge circumference of theconstant force spring 860 that comes into contact with a cable that isthreaded through the cable gland.

In yet another embodiment of the current invention, an adjustableearthing insert clamp 900 is used in the cable gland 109, see FIG.9(a)-9(e). The cable gland 109 is comprised of the washer 30, the outerhousing 50, the adjustable earthing insert clamp 900, the gland body 40,and the anti-short bushing 700. In an embodiment of the currentinvention, cable gland 109 further comprises a release mechanism 420 onthe gland body 40, see FIG. 4(c), and a release mechanism 520 on theouter housing 50, see FIG. 5 (a).

In an embodiment, the adjustable earthing insert clamp 900 is comprisedof an adjustable cable insert clamp. In an embodiment, the adjustableearthing insert clamp 900 further comprises an integrated tab 910attached to the adjustable earthing insert clamp 900 at a connectionpoint. In an embodiment, the integrated tab 910 is attached to theconnection point via a mechanical, soldered, or adhesive connectionpoint. In yet another embodiment, the integrated tab 910 is attached tothe adjustable earthing insert clamp 900. In an embodiment, an earthingstrap 1770 is attached to the adjustable earthing insert clamp 900. Inan embodiment, a first end of the earthing strap 1760 is attached to theintegrated tab 910 at a connection point. In another embodiment, thefirst end of the earthing strap 1760 is attached to the adjustableearthing insert clamp 900 at a connection point. In an embodiment theearthing strap is attached via a mechanical, soldered, or adhesiveconnection. In an embodiment, the earthing strap is an earthing braid orearthing cable and is made out of conductive metals. In an embodiment,an anti-short bushing 700 is also attached to the adjustable earthinginsert clamp 900 to the edge circumference of the clamp 900 that comesinto contact with a cable that is threaded through the cable gland.

In one embodiment of the current invention, the cable gland 100 isassembled by connecting the outer housing 50 to the tapered area 480 ofthe gland body 40 and rotating or tightening the outer housing 50 aroundthe first set of threads 460 on the gland body 40. The outer housing 50is configured to compress the tapered area 480 of the gland body,allowing the sealing connector gland 482 inside the gland body, totighten around a cable. In an embodiment of this invention, thefinger-gaps 481 compress or expand as the outer housing 50 is tightenedabout the gland body 40. The sealing connector 482 also compresses andexpands as the finger-gaps 481, to which it is connected to, compressesor expands. In addition, the sealing connector 482 maintains its sealingcapabilities as it compresses or expands. In another embodiment of thecurrent invention, the release mechanism 420 on the gland body 40 is aspring button. Once the outer housing 50 has been torqued to apredetermined tightness, the aperture 520 in the outer housing 50 willalign with the release mechanism 420 on the gland body. The springbutton 420 interacts with the aperture 520 on the outer housing 50 andchanges from a depressed position to a raised position. The springbutton 420 further aids in maintaining the outer housing's 50 locationin relation to the gland body 40. In an embodiment, the raised positionof the spring button 420 provides a visual indicator that the cablegland 100 has been sufficiently tightened.

In another embodiment of the current invention, the release mechanism420 on the gland body 40 is one or more apertures in the tapered area480. The outer housing 50 also has one or more apertures 520. The outerhousing 50 interacts with the gland body 40 and is torqued to apredetermined tightness; the one or more apertures 520 in the outerhousing 50 are configured to align with the one or more apertures 420 inthe gland body 40 and configured to receive at least one set screw. Whenthe apertures align, at least one set screw is installed and holds theouter housing 50 and the gland body 40 together in place. In anembodiment, the at least one set screw serves as a visual indicator thatthe cable gland 100 has been sufficiently torqued and serves as a visualindicator that the assembly is complete. If a set screw is not properlyengaged, the set screw will protrude and an installer can ascertain thatthe set screw has not been properly engaged or the cable gland 100 hasnot been sufficiently torqued.

In another embodiment, the at least one set screw will have a dip or apain bubble on the threads to provide another visual indication as towhether or not the cable gland 100 has been sufficiently torqued. Thethreads of the at least one set screw is painted a bright color, andwhen sufficiently tightened, the threads would no longer be visible,thus providing a visual indicator that the cable gland 100 has beensufficiently torqued and the at least one set screw sufficientlytightened. In yet another embodiment, the at least one set screw ishollow with a paint bubble at the end of the threads.

In another embodiment, the gland body 40 has an alternate method ofvisually indicating that the cable gland 100 has been sufficientlytorqued. Referring to FIG. 15, there is a length 1524 of threads 1522 ofthe cable body 1520 that is colored. This colored length 1524corresponds to a minimum tightness that is needed to secure the cablegland 100 to a cable inserted in the cable gland 100. An installer wouldtighten the outer housing 50 past the colored length 1524. This wouldserve as a visual indicator that the cable gland 100 has beensufficiently tightened. These colored lengths will vary depending on theoutside diameter of the cable.

After sufficiently tightening the cable gland 100 around a cable, thefirst washer 30 is connected to the gland body 40. In an embodiment, thefirst washer 30 has threads 330 around the inner circumference of thefirst washer 30. To connect the first washer 30 to the gland body 40,the threads 330 of the first washer 30 interact with a second set ofthreads 440 located on the gland body 40. After the first washer 30 isconnected to the gland body 40, the double-washer-sealant-combo 230 isconnected to the gland body 40. In an embodiment, thedouble-washer-sealant-combo 230 has threads 240 around the innercircumference of the double-washer-sealant-combo 230. To connect thedouble-washer-sealant-combo 230 to the gland body 40, these threads 240also interact with the second set of threads 440 located on the glandbody 40. Once the double-washer-sealant-combo 230 is connected to thegland body 40, the adjustable earthing coil 60 is inserted inside thedouble-washer-sealant-combo 230 and also inside the gland body 40. Theadjustable earthing coil 60 is held in place by first inserting theintegrated tab 610 of the adjustable earthing coil 60 into the thinaperture 220 in the double-washer-sealant-combo, from the insidecircumference of the double-washer-sealant-combo, through thedouble-washer-sealant-combo, and out, so that the integrated tab 610protrudes out on the outside of the cable gland 100 while the remainderof the adjustable earthing coil 60 is held in place inside the cablegland 100, see FIG. 7(A)-7(D). The adjustable earthing coil 60 is heldin place secondly, when the bend 620 at the end of its coil lodges intothe at least one or more grooves 442 in the gland body.

In an embodiment of this invention, the adjustable earthing coil 60expands and contracts when the bend 620 at the end of the adjustableearthing coil 60 lodges into the at least one or more grooves 442 in thegland body 40 as the double-washer-sealant-combo 230 is rotated aroundthe second set of threads 440 on the gland body 40. The adjustableearthing coil 60 expands as force is applied rotating thedouble-washer-sealant-combo 230 around the second set of threads 440 onthe gland body 40 in the direction opposite of the direction theadjustable earthing coil 60 is coiled. The adjustable earthing coil 60automatically contracts once the force being applied rotating thedouble-washer-sealant-combo 230 is released. One that force is released,the adjustable earthing coil 60 immediately contracts and coils back upto its original tightness, snapping firmly around the cable armor,metal-cladding, or metal-sheathing to provide the connection for properearthing or bonding, that is in the cable gland 100, rotating thedouble-washer-sealant-combo 230 back in the opposite direction the forcewas being applied. In an embodiment, an anti-short bushing 700 isconnected to the cable to prevent the cable from cutting or shortingover time from repeated expanding or contracting of the adjustableearthing coil 60 or from repeated contact with edges of different partsof the cable gland 100. In an embodiment, the cable gland 100 is made upof a non-metallic material.

In an embodiment of this invention, the adjustable earthing coil 60 is aconstant force spring. When the constant force spring is fully rolledup, the constant force spring is relaxed. When the constant force springis unrolled, a restoring force is generated working to force theconstant force spring back into its relaxed rolled up position.

In another embodiment of this invention, the first washer 30 isconnected to the gland body 40, and then the adjustable earthing insert800 is inserted into the gland body 40 of the cable gland 100. In anembodiment, the adjustable earthing insert 800 is held in place first bythe firm fit and snap in of the adjustable earthing insert 800 into thegland body 40, and secondly by lodging into the ledge or shelf 446 inthe inner circumference of the gland body.

In an embodiment of this invention, the constant force spring 860 in theadjustable earthing insert 800 expands and contracts the constant forcespring 860 is rotated around the inside of the adjustable earthinginsert 800 and the gland body 40. More specifically the adjustableearthing insert 800 expands as force is applied rotating the constantforce spring 860 around the inside of the gland body 40 in the directionopposite of the direction the constant force spring 860 or adjustableearthing coil 60 is coiled. The constant force spring 860 and adjustableearthing coil 60 are similar and can be referenced interchangeably. Theconstant force spring 860 automatically contracts once the forcerotating it is released. One that force is released, the constant forcespring immediately contracts and coils back up to its originaltightness, snapping firmly around the cable that is in the cable gland100. In an embodiment, the maximum force generated when the coil iscompletely rolled out remains constant no matter how many times the coilhas been rolled and unrolled. In its relaxed state, the material's innercircumference coil rolls up to as small as the circumference thesmallest available cable diameter. In another embodiment, the material'sinner circumference coil rolls up to as small as approximately 2-4millimeters.

In an embodiment, the adjustable earthing coil 60 serves as theelectrical connection point to a cable. The integrated tab 610 serves asa connection point between the adjustable earthing coil 60 and anearthing strap 1620, see FIG. 16. The earthing strap 1620 is attached tointegrated tab 610 of the adjustable earthing coil 60 at a first end ofthe earthing strap 1620. The second end 1630 of the earthing strap 1620is attached to an earthing or bonding point of an electrical equipment.In an embodiment, the earthing strap 1620 is attached to the adjustableearthing coil 60 via a mechanical, soldered, or adhesive connectionpoint creating a single, integrated earthing and bonding device. In anembodiment, the earthing strap 1620 is a braided material or earthingbraid or earthing cable and is made out of conductive metals. In anembodiment, the adjustable earthing coil 60 is a constant force spring.In another embodiment of this invention, the adjustable earthing coil 60is configured to create a spiral cone upwards within the body of thecable gland 100, along the cable inserted in the cable gland 100. Thespiral cone of the adjustable earthing coil 60 forms a cone or a sleeve.The sleeve is configured to receive sealant. Alternatively, anindependent sleeve is used to receive a sealant. The purpose of the coneor sleeve is to hold the sealant and to inhibit the potential migrationof flammable gases or liquids into and through the interior of the cableto an area that has exposed electrical arcing, mitigating a potentialexplosion. In an embodiment, the sealant is an epoxy, resin, putty, or adifferent type of sealant.

FIG. 17 shows a fully assembled cable gland 1700 in an embodiment ofthis invention. The earthing strap 1770 has a first end that is attachedto the integrated tab (not pictured) of the adjustable earthing coil1760 that is fitted inside the gland body 1720, and a second end 1760that will be attached to the earthing or bonding point of an electricalequipment. In an embodiment of this invention, the adjustable earthingcoil 1760 extends along the cable inserted in the cable gland 1700, andforms a cone or a sleeve. The sleeve is configured to receive epoxy or adifferent type of sealant.

Alternatively, an independent sleeve is used to receive a sealant.

In an embodiment of this invention, a method for grounding a cablepassing through the cable gland 100 that is comprised of a washersealant 10, a second washer 20, a first washer 30, an adjustableearthing coil 60, an outer housing 50, a gland body 40; wherein thegland body 40 comprises a sealing connector 482 disposed in the glandbody 40, a tapered area 480 to be received in the outer housing 50, anda first set of threads 460 adjacent to the tapered area on the glandbody; wherein the outer housing has one or more apertures; comprises thesteps of:

-   1) inserting the adjustable earthing coil 60 in one end of the    assembled cable gland 100, allowing an integrated tab 610 attached    to the adjustable earthing coil 60 to protrude out of the cable    gland 100;-   2) opening cable receiving apertures at each end of the cable gland    100;-   3) expanding the adjustable earthing coil 60 to a circumference wide    enough to receive a cable;-   4) inserting the cable through a first aperture in the cable gland    100, threading the cable through the cable gland 100, and out of a    second aperture in the cable gland 100;-   5) tightening the cable receiving aperture that is opposite of the    end where the adjustable earthing coil 60 was inserted, tight enough    to hold and secure the cable gland 100 in place on the cable;-   6) inserting an anti-short bushing 700 around the cable in the area    that will interact with the adjustable earthing coil 60;-   7) contracting the adjustable earthing coil 60 inside the cable    gland 100 so that it tightens around the cable in the area on the    cable that is exposed for grounding; and-   8) connecting the adjustable earthing coil 60 to a grounding element    outside of the cable gland 100.

In an embodiment of this invention, the method of expanding theadjustable earthing coil 60 comprises lodging the end of the adjustableearthing coil 60 into at least one or more grooves 442 in the gland body40 of the cable gland 100 and rotating the cable gland in the directionopposite of the direction the adjustable earthing coil is curled in.

In an embodiment of this invention, the method of tightening the end ofthe cable gland 100 that is opposite to where the adjustable earthingcoil 60 is inserted comprises rotating the outer housing 50 of the cablegland 100 around the first set of threads 460.

In an embodiment of this invention, the method of contracting theadjustable earthing coil 60 comprises lodging the end of the adjustableearthing coil 60 into the at least one or more grooves 442 in the glandbody 40 of the cable gland 100 and releasing and pressure being appliedto the adjustable earthing coil 60 that is forcing it to rotate in thedirection opposite of the direction the adjustable earthing coil 60 iscurled in. In another embodiment one or more grooves 442 are in thegland body. In another embodiment the grooves are comprised of differentshapes, depths, and widths.

In another embodiment, the method of contracting the adjustable earthingcoil 60 comprises lodging the end of the adjustable earthing coil 60into the at least one or more grooves 442 in the gland body 40 of thecable gland 100 and rotating second washer 20 around the second set ofthreads 440 on the cable gland 100, in the same direction that theadjustable earthing coil 60 is curled in.

In another embodiment of this invention, the method of connecting theadjustable earthing coil 60 to a grounding element outside the cablegland 100 comprises attaching a first end of an earthing strap 1620 toan integrated tab 610 that is attached to the adjustable earthing coil60, and attaching the second end of the earthing strap 1630 to anearthing point outside the cable gland 100.

In another embodiment of this invention, the method of connecting theadjustable earthing coil 60 to a grounding element outside the cablegland 100 comprises attaching the first end of an earthing strap 1620 tothe adjustable earthing coil 60 via a mechanical, soldered, or adhesiveconnection point creating a single, integrated earthing and bondingdevice, and attaching the second end of the earthing strap 1630 to anearthing point outside the cable gland 100.

Having thus described the disclosed subject matter, what is claimed is:1. A cable gland comprising: a gland body; an outer housing having atleast one or more apertures configured to connect to one end of thegland body; wherein the gland body comprises: a sealing connectordisposed in the gland body; a tapered area that is configured to fit inthe at least one or more apertures of the outer housing; and a bodytightening mechanism adjacent to the tapered area on the gland body; andwherein the outer housing, once connected to the gland body, andtightened on the body tightening mechanism on the gland body, isconfigured to compress the tapered area, allowing the sealing connectorto tighten around a cable.
 2. The cable gland of claim 1, wherein thegland body includes a substrate connection mechanism and furthercomprises a washer arranged externally relative to the substrateconnection mechanism on the gland body.
 3. The cable gland of claim 1,further comprising an adjustable earthing insert held internally in thegland body and extending outside the gland body for earthing a cableheld by the cable gland.
 4. The cable gland of claim 3, wherein theadjustable earthing insert is a constant force spring comprised of arectangular flat piece of material wound in a circular shape inside theperimeter of a cylindrical insert, each coil wrapping around theprevious coil forming a flat curled ribbon, with an end of the coilforming a slight bend in the opposite direction the coil is curled in.5. The cable gland of claim 4 wherein the adjustable earthing insert isheld by lodging the bend at the end of the adjustable earthing insertinto at least one or more grooves in the gland body
 6. The cable glandof claim 4 wherein the adjustable earthing insert is held by fitting theadjustable earthing insert into a circular ledge around the insideperimeter of the gland body.
 7. The cable gland of claim 1, wherein thetapered area on the gland body further comprises a plurality ofcompressible and expandable finger-gaps.
 8. The cable gland of claim 1,wherein the outer housing further comprises an outer housing tighteningmechanism that allows it to connect to the gland body tighteningmechanism and tighten around the gland body tightening mechanism.
 9. Thecable gland of claim 8, wherein the outer housing tightening mechanismis a set of helical threads disposed internally in the outer housing.10. The cable gland of claim 1, wherein the cable gland comprises anon-metallic material.
 11. A cable gland comprising: a gland body; anouter housing having at least one or more apertures configured toconnect to one end of the gland body; wherein the gland body comprises:a sealing connector disposed in the gland body; a tapered area that isconfigured to fit in the at least one or more apertures of the outerhousing; and a body tightening mechanism adjacent to the tapered area onthe gland body; wherein the tapered area on the gland body furthercomprises compressible and expandable finger-gaps; and wherein the outerhousing, once connected to the gland body, and tightened on the bodytightening mechanism on the gland body, is configured to compress thetapered area, allowing the sealing connector to tighten around a cable.12. The cable gland of claim 11, wherein a washer is configured to bearranged externally on the gland body.
 13. The cable gland of claim 11,wherein an adjustable earthing insert is configured to be arrangedinternally in the gland body;
 14. The cable gland of claim 11, whereinthe outer housing further comprises an outer housing tighteningmechanism that allows it to connect to the gland body tighteningmechanism and tighten around the gland body tightening mechanism. 15.The cable gland of claim 14, wherein the outer housing tighteningmechanism is a set of helical threads disposed internally in the outerhousing.
 16. The cable gland of claim 11, wherein the cable glandcomprises a non-metallic material.
 17. An earthing coil comprising: atapered rectangular flat piece of material wound in a circular shape,each coil laying over the previous coil forming a flat curled ribbon,wherein the material is relaxed when it is fully rolled up and arestoring force is generated as it is unrolled, the generated forceworking to force the material back into the relaxed rolled up position;and an integrated tab attached to the earthing coil.
 18. An adjustableearthing insert comprising: a constant force spring comprised of atapered rectangular flat piece of electrically conductive material woundin a circular shape about the inside perimeter of a cable clamp insert,each coil wound around the previous coil forming a flat curled ribbon,with an end of the coil forming a slight bend in the opposite directionthe coil is curled in, wherein the material is relaxed when it is fullyrolled up, and wherein a restoring force is generated as the taperedrectangular material is unrolled, working to force the taperedrectangular material back into its relaxed rolled up position; and anintegrated tab attached to the adjustable earthing insert.
 19. Anadjustable earthing insert clamp comprising: an adjustable cable clampinsert; and an integrated tab attached to the adjustable earthing insertclamp.
 20. The body of a cable gland comprising: a tapered areaconfigured to be received in an outer housing; a body tighteningmechanism adjacent to the tapered area; a bore running through thelength of the body of the cable gland; a sealing connector disposedwithin the bore; wherein the tapered area further comprises: fingersconfigured equidistance apart cylindrically forming the portion of thebore that runs through the tapered area of the cable gland; andfinger-gaps disposed between the fingers, that compress and expand,decreasing and increasing the circumference of the bore running throughthe tapered area of the cable gland.
 21. The cable gland body of claim20, wherein the sealing connector is comprised of material configured tocompress and expand while still maintaining sealing capabilities. 22.The cable gland body of claim 20, further comprising a substrateconnection mechanism and a washer arranged externally relative to thesubstrate connection mechanism on the gland body.
 23. The cable glandbody of claim 20, wherein the outer housing further comprises an outerhousing tightening mechanism that allows it to connect to the gland bodytightening mechanism and tighten around the gland body tighteningmechanism
 24. The cable gland of claim 23, wherein connecting andtightening the outer housing to the body tightening mechanism on thecable gland body, causes the finger-gaps and sealing connector tocompress.
 25. The cable gland body of claim 23, wherein loosening theouter housing from the body tightening mechanism on the cable glandbody, causes the finger-gaps and sealing connector to expand.
 26. Thecable gland of claim 23, wherein the outer housing tightening mechanismand the body tightening mechanism on the cable gland body, are helicalthreads.